Jacob Sisneros
2 min read • November 21, 2022
Posted in
This NFC West clash in Mexico City features plenty of red on the field view, especially on the Arizona offensive line. Altitude may play a big factor in this game, as Estadio Azteca sits at 2,200 meters above sea level.
San Francisco’s main weakness is on the defensive line, with their two starting defensive tackles still out with injury. Javon Kinlaw’s nagging knee issues have kept him out since Week 3.
Eighth-year defensive tackle Arik Armstead has been out since Week 4 with a foot injury and will miss this week as well.
The 49ers are also thin in the secondary with No. 2 cornerback Emmanuel Moseley done for the year with an ACL tear and veteran CB Jason Verrett lost to a torn Achilles.
Jimmy Garoppolo will make his eighth start this season in place of the injured Trey Lance. Garoppolo has picked up where he left off last season, hitting the underneath throws and limiting interceptions.
Through 8 games, he has thrown for 1,931 yards with 11 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.
All of the offensive pieces are healthy, including backup running back Elijah Mitchell.
San Francisco has lost three of the last five matchups against Arizona dating back to 2019.
Despite the likely absence of Kyler Murray, the Cardinals’ key injury issue is on the offensive line. Three of the five starting linemen are on injured reserve and left tackle D.J. Humphries will miss another contest with a back injury.
With Colt McCoy under center last week, the Cardinals gained 298 total yards and DeAndre Hopkins had 10 catches for 98 yards.
Hopkins missed practice time this week with a hamstring issue, but will be active and play Monday night. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters earlier this week that it was a “maintenance” deal that he missed practice.
Dynamic wideout Marquise Brown will miss another week, but looked good in practice this week and will likely return in Week 12.
On defense, Arizona is down their No. 1 cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. and nose tackle Rashard Lawrence. Free safety Budda Baker is playing through a high ankle sprain and will likely have limited mobility.
The 49ers are 10-point favorites in Mexico City and the over/under is 43.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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Through Week 9, our staff is 57% on player props and 58% on live bets.
Written by Jacob Sisneros
